Author: Bhakti Narayanan

Renowned Indian American professor Farhan Gandhi, recognized for his pioneering work in eVTOL (electric vertical take-off and landing) aircraft technologies, has been appointed as a Distinguished Professor at NC State University. The prestigious Hassan A. Hassan distinguished professorship, established in honor of the late aerospace engineering luminary, marks a significant milestone in the Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering. Professor Hassan, who dedicated over five decades to NC State, played a pivotal role in shaping the aerospace engineering landscape. Before his passing in 2019, he, along with his son Basil Hassan and MAE Department Head Srinath Ekkad, laid the groundwork…

Varun Dhawan is soon to become a father as his wife Natasha Dalal is expecting their first child, as announced through a heartwarming maternity photoshoot. On Sunday, Varun Dhawan shared the joyous news of his wife Natasha Dalal’s pregnancy, marking the anticipation of their first child. The couple, who exchanged vows on January 24, 2021, are now eagerly awaiting the new addition to their family. In the shared monochrome snapshot captured inside their Mumbai residence, Natasha and Varun are captured alongside their pet dog Joey. In the tender moment, Varun is seen planting a loving kiss on Natasha’s baby bump,…

India and Colombia have inked a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to collaborate on sharing successful digital solutions aimed at achieving large-scale digital transformation. India’s MeitY and Colombia’s Information Technologies and Communications department facilitate the agreement, highlighting India’s digital infrastructure’s global potential. India’s strides in developing robust digital public goods infrastructure serve as exemplars with transformative potential worldwide. Initiatives like UPI, Jan Dhan, Aadhar, CoWin, and ONDC represent India’s commitment to building inclusive digital infrastructure to serve its citizens. Rajeev Chandrasekhar, Union Minister of State for Electronics and IT, Skill Development, and Entrepreneurship, exchanged the MoU with Mauricio Lizcano, Colombia’s Minister…

Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed gratitude to the Indian diaspora during his visit to Qatar, following a brief tour of the UAE. This marked his second visit to Qatar since June 2016, a nation that hosts approximately 840,000 Indian residents. Arriving in Doha late Wednesday, Modi received a warm welcome from the Indian community, as depicted in images shared on social media. Highlighting the significance of the Indian community in Qatar, Modi underscored the strong people-to-people ties between the two nations. Upon arrival, he was greeted by Soltan bin Saad Al-Muraikhi, the State Minister for Foreign Affairs, and later engaged…

Bobbie Singh-Allen, the Punjabi American mayor of Elk Grove, has been recognized in the Sacramento Bee’s 2023 list of Asian American Pacific Islander (AAPI) Change Makers, alongside three other alumni from Sacramento State. Described as individuals who challenge norms, build community, and lead with unwavering commitment, the Change Makers list celebrates 20 individuals for their impactful contributions. Singh-Allen assumed office as Mayor of Elk Grove in November 2020 after serving on the Elk Grove Unified School District Board of Trustees, where she was subsequently elected to two consecutive four-year terms, including a tenure as board president. Under her leadership, the…

Indian-American Sonali Korde assumed her role on Monday as assistant to USAID Administrator Samantha Power for the Bureau for Humanitarian Assistance. At the swearing-in ceremony, Power hailed Korde as a valuable addition, emphasizing her upbringing shaped by her parents’ migration from India and their commitment to justice and equity. Korde’s childhood experiences, including frequent visits to India, exposed her to stark socioeconomic disparities, fueling her sense of justice and determination to address inequities. Before her current position, Korde served as deputy assistant to the administrator for the Bureau for Humanitarian Assistance, where she played a key role in addressing humanitarian…

Prime Minister Narendra Modi reflected on the achievements of the past five years, emphasizing the themes of ‘reform, perform, and transform.’ Expressing gratitude, particularly to Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla, during the final session of the 17th Lok Sabha, PM Modi commended the parliamentarians for their response to challenges such as the Covid pandemic, including a voluntary 30% salary reduction and halting subsidies for canteen food to avoid public scrutiny. Addressing the transition to the new Parliament building, PM Modi highlighted the symbolic significance of the Sengol, marking a new chapter in the nation’s legislative history. He underscored the historic…

Indian Americans for Trump, a group advocating for Donald J. Trump’s re-election as President of the USA, has urged his opponent, Nikki Haley, to reconcile her differences with the former president. The group contends that Haley’s critical remarks about Trump, such as labeling his administration as “chaos,” are being exploited by Democrats to attack him. In a statement, the group highlighted how Democrats are weaponizing Haley’s words in their political battle for the presidency, inadvertently aiding the Democrat’s agenda. Indian Americans for Trump 2024 emphasized the need for Haley to mend fences with Trump and the Republican Party to avoid…

Geoffrey Pyatt, the Assistant Secretary of State for Energy Resources, expressed confidence in the enduring strength of the energy relationship between the U.S. and India, which he described as pivotal on the global stage. During his recent visit to India in January, Pyatt emphasized the potential for enhanced collaboration between the two countries, despite acknowledging potential slowdowns due to upcoming election cycles. Addressing an online international media briefing on February 5, Pyatt shared his optimistic outlook, noting the shared strategic objectives between Indian and U.S. bureaucracies and the alignment in private sector efforts. Discussions during his visit centered on energy…

Prime Minister Narendra Modi articulated his government’s vision for diminishing reliance on fossil fuels during the India Energy Week in Goa, emphasizing the strides made in the energy sector under his administration. He highlighted Goa’s dynamic environment, expressing pride in its development and hospitality, suggesting it as an apt venue for discussions on environmental sensitivity and sustainability. Inaugurating the second edition of India Energy Week 2024, PM Modi underscored India’s remarkable progress in solar capacity, with a twenty-fold increase over the decade. He noted a significant rise in ethanol blending and the phased introduction of a 20% blended fuel, slated…